“Sure? If it bothers you, I can do it differently, Patty.”
My mother gives me a loving smile while serving a customer.
“No. It’s the kid’s birthday. She works hard, she deserves it.”
I agree.
“What time is she coming?”
I’m automatically scanning my phone screen.
“In... soon. Time to pick up her little sister and change at the apartment.”
My mother makes this smile as if she knew a secret about me. It bothers me.
“Are you together?” she asks, surely for the formality, because she already seems convinced.
“No. I’m not the right guy for her.”
“I understand. My little finger tells me that she’s the right girl for you.”
My fingers start to strum on the counter as shiny as a polished mirror.
“I’ll settle for easy chicks.”
Patty smiles one more time.
“Okay. So I can tell Jaze she’s
